For many, the field of library and information science and the Master of Science in Library and Information Science continue to be misunderstood. In a time when the public still pictures graduates of MS-LIS programs to be solely bespectacled book jockeys, our graduates are working in new and fascinating roles, on cutting-edge projects. In this podcast, we spoke with interesting librarians and information science professionals and discovered the unexpected ways that one can use a Master’s degree in Library and Information Science.

Beyond the Stacks: Innovative Careers in Library and Information Science was an outcome of the project “Educate to Innovate: Re-visioning Library and Information Science Education.” This was a National Forum Planning Grant funded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services. Focusing on the importance of leadership and cutting-edge skills in LIS education, this project represented an opportunity for “evaluating and implementing relevant curriculum focused on innovation, continuous learning, and critical engagement within a global context.” The grant was led by Dr. Eileen G. Abels, School of Library and Information Science, Simmons College along with partners Dr. Linda C. Smith, Graduate School of Library and Information Science, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign and Dr. Lynne C. Howarth, Faculty of Information, University of Toronto. The podcast was recorded and edited by Dean's Fellows Derek Murphy and Elizabeth Reilly.

During the grant-supported forum titled “Envisioning Our Information Future and How to Educate for It,” the participants recommended that we promote awareness of the “cool” careers one can pursue in this field in libraries, archives, museums, and beyond. The MS-LIS can lead graduates down a variety of exciting paths, paths that many would not have associated with the field of library and information science. We hope that you will enjoy these podcasts and find them informative and inspiring. You might think “I didn’t know that you could do that kind of work in the field of library and information science!”

Episodes 1 through 10 were hosted and edited by Derek Murphy. Episode 11 was hosted by Derek Murphy and edited by Elizabeth Reilly. Episodes 12-24 were hosted and edited by Elizabeth Reilly. Both hosts were MLIS students at Simmons University while working on the podcast.

Beyond the Stacks’ theme music is an except from J.S Bach’s Suite No.3 in C major – 1. Prelude. Janos Starcker is the performing cellist. This public domain recording is available at Musopen, courtesy of the Internet Memory Foundation.